Symbolic actions

New to this year’s celebration, Christian communities will be engaging in symbolic actions in front of coal mines, fracking wells, and other sites of ecological destruction, as well as in houses of worship to demonstrate how Christians are coming together for creation.

Symbolic action in Assisi

September 1

S.E. Archbishop Mons. Domenico Sorrentino, Bishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, S. E. Mons. Mario Ceccobelli, Bishop of Gubbio, and local clergy will symbolically recreate St. Francis’s dramatic gesture of publicly stripping himself by removing the dressing of a warhorse and replacing it with simple garments. The horse will then be used in service on the annual pilgrimage from Assisi to Gubbio. The event symbolizes a divestment from harm and investment in simplicity and spiritual wholeness.

You can follow the Symbolic action via streaming through Youtube or via Facebook at 9.00 a.m. (CEST) (check your time zone here)

Prayer service in Cape Town

September 1

The Cape Town Interfaith Initiative, Green Anglicans, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute, the United Religions Initiative, and the Catholic Archdiocese of Cape Town will host an ecumenical prayer service for Creation.

Prayer Service in Kisubi

September 2

Girls for Climate will hold an ecumenical prayer service at University of Kisubi in Uganda. The prayer service will celebrate the valuable leadership role played by East African young women in working toward climate solutions.

Prayer Service at Kentucky Solar Plant

September 7

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth will hold a prayer service to celebrate the inauguration of a solar power plant for Eastern Kentucky Power Cooperative.

Symbolic Action in Washington, D.C.

September 12

An interfaith coalition will hold an action across from the Senate office building in Washington, D.C., and will hold lobby visits with senators to encourage a moral response to climate change. This event is supported by Catholic Climate Covenant, National Religious Partnership for the Environment, and the Sisters of Mercy.

Symbolic action in Swaziland

September 16 and 18

The Anglican Church Diocese of Swaziland, the Lutheran church in Swaziland, and companions from the Episcopal Church in Iowa and Scotland will hold a symbolic action at the source of Mbabane River. The Mbabane River is a major river in Swaziland, feeding the country’s capital city, and it has been choked by trash and invasive plants. A Eucharist service will be followed by a river clean-up on both days.

Symbolic action in Caserta

September 23

Italy’s “land of fires” is renowned for the thousands of fires that break out each year due to illegal dumping on the land. At this action, parishes from across the diocese will bring soil from their wounded grounds, mix the soil in a bottle, and plant a bonsai tree. This action symbolizes a commitment to new beginnings.

Symbolic action in Taizé

September 24

A special symbolic action titled “Communion to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” will take place in Taize, France at the European Conference of Justice and Peace Commissions. The Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE), and Conference of European Churches (CEC) will lead a service of unity and prayer for our earth.